SOMERSET CCC have announced they are to "await the outcome of Cricket Australia's internal investigation" before making a decision on the fate of new batsman Cameron Bancroft.
The opener has been caught in the midst of the ball tampering scandal currently dominating sporting headlines across the globe after being caught rubbing the ball with an external object (either sandpaper or tape) during the third Test between South Africa and Australia in Cape Town.
Bancroft admitted his guilt in a subsequent press conference and has been hit with a 75% fine from his match fee and three demerit points, but no international ban.
He may yet be banned as a result of Cricket Australia's internal investigation, the results of which will also go some way to determining what action, if any, Somerset decide to take.
A statement released by Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry this afternoon (Monday) said: "The chief executive, captain, head coach and myself met this morning to ensure that we are all updated on the events from the weekend.
"There is more information being made available on a daily basis and we are aware that Cricket Australia are following their internal processes of which again more information will be available.
"I will be talking to Cricket Australia and Cameron in due course as it is important for us to collate all the relevant information before considering our next steps.
"We appreciate there is a lot of emotion, disappointment and media surrounding the on field incidents during last Saturday’s Third Test Match in Cape Town and it is imperative we follow our appropriate processes that will enable us to make the right decision for us as a club in due course.
"Therefore we will be awaiting the outcome of the Cricket Australia internal investigation before making any further comment."
The matter continues to divide the Somerset fanbase, with some arguing the club should act while others would prefer a more lenient approach.
No place for cheats like Bancroft at SCCC. Cancel his contract and replace him with someone half decent
— George Pritchard (@Pritchard_G) March 26, 2018
Sportsmen with far worse morales, behaviour, and also criminal convictions back in sport. Someone has to give him another chance. Why not us?
— Gerry Dolan (@gdolan19571992) March 26, 2018
Everyone make mistakes and as the baby of the team Bancroft was clearly led on with a severe error in judgement. Tough decision for Somerset CCC. Wouldn’t be the first controversial player.
— Peter Gliddon (@glidz2589) March 25, 2018
I'm not sure, to be honest. It must have been an invidious position to be put in. I think in the interests of the team though, probably best not, or else Somerset's season could turn into The Trials of Cam Bancroft, too much of a distraction.
— Matt Fallaize (@MattFallaize) March 25, 2018
Elsewhere, Craig Overton couldn't prevent England sliding to an innings defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Auckland.
Overton was dismissed for three as the visitors were bowled out for 320 in their second innings.
Calls are growing for Jack Leach to be handed his debut in the second Test, which begins in Christchurch on Thursday (11pm UK time).
Somerset begin a two-day friendly against Warwickshire at Edgbaston tomorrow (Tuesday) and have named the following squad: Tom Abell (c), Marcus Trescothick, Eddie Byrom, George Bartlett, James Hildreth, Steve Davies (wk), Peter Trego, Josh Davey, Roelof van der Merwe, Jamie Overton, Tim Groenewald, Paul van Meekeren and Ben Green.
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